Mechatronics (ETS2680C)

Course Description

ETS2680C – Mechatronics is a 3-credit, combined lecture and laboratory course in the Engineering Technologies > Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides students with an introduction to mechatronics and measurement systems, covering microcontroller programming and interfacing, data acquisition, and mechatronics control architectures. Laboratory exercises reinforce core principles through hands-on experiments with electro-mechanical systems.

Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary field of engineering encompassing mechanical, electronic, computer, software, control, and robotic systems design. It is the applied aspect of engineering in which technology, applied science, and mathematics are integrated to create hands-on engineering solutions for the design, operation, and maintenance of modern automated machinery.

This course is offered as a combined lecture/laboratory ("C" suffix) course, meeting the SCNS definition of integrated in-class instruction and laboratory work occurring in the same setting. It is typically offered within the Engineering Technology A.S. degree and/or Mechatronics College Credit Certificate (CCC) program frameworks used by Florida colleges.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental principles and interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics, including the integration of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computing subsystems.
• Program and interface microcontrollers to read input signals from sensors and generate appropriate output commands to actuators.
• Apply data acquisition techniques to capture, display, and analyze signals from mechatronic systems.
• Identify and apply mechatronics control architectures, including open-loop and closed-loop control strategies.
• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and comply with applicable OSHA and industry safety standards in an electro-mechanical lab environment.
• Assemble, operate, and troubleshoot basic automated electro-mechanical systems.
• Interpret technical documentation, schematics, and wiring diagrams relevant to mechatronic systems.
• Apply precision measurement techniques and instrumentation principles used in manufacturing environments.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be expected to:

• Develop and test embedded software using interrupt-driven programming techniques for microcontroller applications.
• Analyze hydraulic and pneumatic systems and their role in mechatronics and manufacturing automation.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and quality improvement principles (e.g., Six Sigma) within a mechatronics context.
• Design and document a mechatronics capstone or integration project that combines sensors, actuators, a microcontroller, and a mechanical assembly.
• Configure and program a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for a basic automation task.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to model components or workcell layouts relevant to mechatronic systems.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following topics are commonly covered across Florida college offerings of ETS2680C:

• Introduction to Mechatronics – Definitions, history, interdisciplinary scope (mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, control, and robotic systems); real-world applications in advanced manufacturing.
• Microcontroller Fundamentals – Architecture, memory, I/O ports; selection and use of common microcontroller platforms (e.g., Arduino, PIC, or equivalent).
• Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing – Embedded software development; digital and analog I/O; PWM; serial communication (UART, SPI, I2C).
• Sensors and Transducers – Operating principles; position, proximity, temperature, pressure, and optical sensors; signal conditioning and filtering.
• Actuators – DC motors, stepper motors, servo motors, solenoids; torque, speed, and power relationships; drive circuits.
• Data Acquisition Systems – Analog-to-digital conversion; sampling theory; use of data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and software.
• Mechatronics Control Architectures – Open-loop vs. closed-loop control; feedback principles; basic PID control concepts.
• Safety and Quality – Workplace safety (OSHA standards), electrical safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), industrial hygiene, and quality practices.
• Laboratory Experiments – Hands-on exercises integrating sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers into working mechatronic subsystems.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included based on available equipment, lab resources, and institutional focus:

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – Ladder logic programming; I/O configuration; integration with sensors and actuators for industrial automation.
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems – Principles of fluid power; hydraulic and pneumatic circuit analysis; components used in manufacturing applications.
• Robotics Fundamentals – Robot classifications (Cartesian, SCARA, articulated); end-effectors; workcell design; basic robot programming and I/O interfacing.
• Device Networking and Industrial Communication – Industrial Ethernet, DeviceNet, Modbus; networked sensor/actuator systems.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Integration – Basic CAD modeling for mechanical components and mechatronic workcell layouts.
• Predictive Maintenance and Process Improvement – Vibration analysis, alignment, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma concepts applied to automated systems.
• Mechatronics Integration Project – Student-designed and built system integrating mechanical, electronic, sensing, and control subsystems.

Resources & Tools

• Microcontroller Platforms: Arduino Uno/Mega, Raspberry Pi, or equivalent embedded systems boards
• Data Acquisition Hardware: National Instruments DAQ modules or equivalent; LabVIEW or similar DAQ software
• PLC Training Systems: Allen-Bradley MicroLogix / CompactLogix, Siemens S7, or equivalent PLC trainers with RSLogix/Studio 5000
• Mechatronics Training Stations: Festo Didactic, Amatrol, or equivalent electro-pneumatic and automation training systems
• Hand and Precision Tools: Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, calipers, and bench power supplies
• CAD Software: Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent for component and workcell design
• Simulation Software: MATLAB/Simulink or FluidSIM for system modeling and pneumatic/hydraulic circuit simulation
• Safety Equipment: PPE (safety glasses, insulated gloves), LOTO kits, and fire extinguisher access per lab safety protocol

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete ETS2680C as part of the Engineering Technology A.S. degree or Mechatronics College Credit Certificate may pursue the following career paths in Florida's advanced manufacturing sector:

• Mechatronics Technician – Install, maintain, operate, modify, and repair automated, robotic, or electro-mechanical equipment
• Automation Technician – Support PLC-based and computer-controlled automation systems in manufacturing and distribution facilities
• Systems Technician – Troubleshoot and maintain integrated electro-mechanical production systems
• Process Analyst / Calibration Technician – Monitor, calibrate, and optimize instrumentation and control processes
• Technical Sales Technician – Provide technical expertise for industrial automation and control products
• Engineering Technology Support Specialist – Assist engineering and design staff in research, development, and production environments

This course also provides a foundation for transfer into Bachelor of Science programs in Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering at Florida State University System institutions under the 2+2 articulation framework.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

ETS2680C is embedded within the Florida Engineering Technology A.S. degree framework, which is aligned with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) industry certification. The MSSC CPT covers four modules: Manufacturing Processes and Production; Quality Assurance; Maintenance Awareness; and Safety. Students completing the full Engineering Technology core, which includes ETS2680C, will be prepared to sit for the MSSC CPT assessment.

The statewide Engineering Technology framework was developed in collaboration with the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) and the Florida Department of Education, ensuring that course content and industry certification standards are consistent across more than 20 participating Florida colleges.

Students who already hold the MSSC-CPT certification may be eligible to receive up to 15 articulated credit hours toward the Engineering Technology A.S. degree, potentially shortening their time to completion. Students should consult their program advisor regarding articulation eligibility.

Lab Fee Notice

This is a combined lecture/laboratory course ("C" suffix per SCNS). Students should expect an additional lab fee each semester (fees vary by institution). Lab activities require adherence to posted safety rules and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

Grade Requirements

A minimum grade of "C" or better is required in this course to satisfy prerequisite requirements for advanced Engineering Technology courses and to apply credit toward a Mechatronics College Credit Certificate or Engineering Technology A.S. degree.